These days there are many mortgage lenders who cater for clients with non-standard requirements. Some of them are standalone, others are owned by mainstream banks and building societies. All of them offer viable mortgage alternatives for those prospective borrowers who may not fit the standard mould. 'Non-standard or sub prime' can cover a range of different borrower types.

If you have a less-than-perfect credit record, if your requirements are out of the ordinary or if you are self-employed you may fall into this category. If you have never had a bank account or if you have lived at lots of different addresses some lenders will not want you as a customer. As 'non-standard or sub prime' mortgage borrowers are considered a higher risk than standard, the rates charged on "non-standard or sub prime" mortgages will be somewhat higher than mainstream rates.

But once you have been with a non-standard sub prime lender for three years, as long as you keep up your mortgage payments you will have established a new history and can return to the mainstream market with a new deal at a lower rate. "Non-standard or sub prime" borrowers may also be referred to as 'sub-prime', 'complex prime' and 'credit impaired'.

To help you through the non-standard mortgage process, you will need to contact a mortgage specialist. This is where Gloucester Mortgage Centre could help you.

Gloucester Mortgage Centre are able to consider sourcing with lenders for even the most complex credit problems. We have access to a wide range of mortgage lenders, from well known high street banks to smaller specialised companies, so there should be a competitive mortgage scheme for you.